Oh dear! If this is what people think of scientists no wonder the science community isn’t thriving with cross-sector collaboration! Scientists aren’t seen as the most attractive, approachable characters.
At the same time, science has a position of great authority in society. All you need is a label saying “scientifically proven” or “recognised by the scientific community” to gain the trust of consumers. Politicians, media, new age hippies and consumer companies alike refer to science for answers, authority and guidance. In fact, you could say that science has become the Church of the modern world.

Once upon a time we looked to the Church for guidance. Now we look to science. As the guardians and high priests of this Holy Church of Science, scientists have the power to bestow blessings on products, ideas or beliefs.

Like Latin Mass in the Catholic Church – the utterings of scientists are mysterious and inexplicable.

But what happened to the rebel roots of science? Hundreds of years ago science emerged as a rebellious challenger to the dominance of Religion and the Church. Gutsy rebel scientists like Galileo were imprisoned for making 'heretical' suggestions like the earth rotates around the sun. Nowadays scientists like Richard Dawkins dismiss other belief systems with almost religious fervour. They behave like grumpy priests defending their authority.

If science is going to play its full part in society I reckon scientists need to step down from the Holy Church of Science and engage with other cultures and communities in a really open-minded and non-judgmental way. I don't mean to challenge the power and importance of science. In fact want to do the opposite. If scientists learn to communicate and tell stories about science, explain how it works and why it can be trusted, ask questions and share personal experiences they are much more likely to win people's hearts and imaginations.

The really exciting thing is that this is happening already. A couple of weeks ago we found out that the three most trusted people in New Zealand are all scientists – Ray Avery, Peter Gluckman and Paul Callaghan. They didn’t get there by hiding in the lab! All three of these inspiring men are warm, open-minded, courageous, socially engaged and brilliant at communicating. They are also inspiring a generation of young scientists to follow their example. I find this extremely encouraging! Perhaps the walls of the Church are finally crumbling…